Trouble with C

[just another ref]

I had similar feelings in my first couple of 3 man games. Felt like I was always in somebody's way. It is still somewhat of a problem and probably will always be as long as we work 25 games of 2 man for every 1 game of 3 man. Just don't let these concerns overwhelm you to the point that the game gets away from you. Much better to have a double whistle on a call than no whistle at all when one was needed.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by just another ref

It is still somewhat of a problem is probably will always be as long as we work 25 games of 2 man for every 1 game of 3 man.

Here in my little corner of The Land Of Steady Habits, the only three person games we see in the regular season are a few games between "big city" powerhouses, and we work them only when requested by the home school. We're still using two man crews for almost all of our conference, and league, playoff games, even championship games. State tournament games before the State quarterfinals are all two person games.

[Rufus]

Thanks to all who replied. Had two games last night that went much better. When in C whenever I started thinking too much (coverage areas, match ups, etc.) I would say to myself "call the game" to get refocused. It worked and i was able to stay in the games. Had some double whistles but partners commented a couple of times on good calls coming from me, which was nice to hear.

Thanks again.

[ref3808]

Usually in MA everything except the tournament is 2-man. Had my first experience yesteday with 3-man in a varsity scrimmage. I can relate well to the comments about being in the C position. I also felt as though I should be switching more often, I felt I was in the C positon forever and then some.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by ref3808

I felt I was in the C positon forever and then some.

Count you're blessings.

[billyu2]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Count you're blessings.

I do. I love being the C.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by Rufus

Thanks to all who replied. Had two games last night that went much better. When in C whenever I started thinking too much (coverage areas, match ups, etc.) I would say to myself "call the game" to get refocused. It worked and i was able to stay in the games. Had some double whistles but partners commented a couple of times on good calls coming from me, which was nice to hear.
Thanks again.

Two approaches to being the C: 1) The ball's not on my side, and 2) I'm diligently checking the matchups in my PCA and looking to catch off-ball fouls.
The first is a passive mindset, and when this is the predominant thought in the mind of the C, complacency can easily set in and the comfort of "The Saddle" can mean missed calls when they occur in the C's area.
The second is an active perspective, and when this is the predominant thought in the mind of the C, it never becomes a "I feel like I've been there forever" sensation. Too much to watch for. Too much to keep tabs on.
Just a little thing, but maybe it can in some small way make the C realistically significant for you.

[kwatson]

My problem is with being L. I have a real hard time holding my whistle when players are driving to the basket from either T's or C's area. Any advice on this? Said that like I have done it a lot, truth is I have my first 3 man non scrim game this Thursday, hoping to get it all straight in my brain before that.

[billyu2]

Originally Posted by kwatson

My problem is with being L. I have a real hard time holding my whistle when players are driving to the basket from either T's or C's area. Any advice on this? Said that like I have done it a lot, truth is I have my first 3 man non scrim game this Thursday, hoping to get it all straight in my brain before that.

Don't worry so much about withholding your whistle, I mean, you've got a play coming hard right at you. Your instinct is always going to be ready to hit the whistle. What you have to be ready to withold is a preliminary signal depending on what you've discussed in your pre-game as to who is going to take the call. In our area, on a drive from the Trail we give the L the greater responsibility if he has the better look/location of the play.

[tref]

Originally Posted by billyu2

Don't worry so much about withholding your whistle, I mean, you've got a play coming hard right at you. Your instinct is always going to be ready to hit the whistle. What you have to be ready to withold is a preliminary signal depending on what you've discussed in your pre-game as to who is going to take the call. In our area, on a drive from the Trail we give the L the greater responsibility if he has the better look/location of the play.

Yeah, I see nothing wrong with the L having a double whistle in the paint.

[tomegun]

Originally Posted by kwatson

My problem is with being L. I have a real hard time holding my whistle when players are driving to the basket from either T's or C's area. Any advice on this? Said that like I have done it a lot, truth is I have my first 3 man non scrim game this Thursday, hoping to get it all straight in my brain before that.

If a play is coming from the C's side, and you are looking at it, the possibility exists that nobody is looking at the players in your primary. And, one of those players in your primary could slide over as a secondary defender. When/if this happens, it is a possibility that you will not be ready for it because you are looking at the offensive player (this is the way I'm imagining what you said).

I would suggest engaging in discussions during pregame that focus on staying engaged at the T, watching secondary defenders at the L, etc. You may hear some things from your partners that set the tone for your crew that night and give you some insight as to what they are looking at.

Originally Posted by billyu2

Don't worry so much about withholding your whistle, I mean, you've got a play coming hard right at you. Your instinct is always going to be ready to hit the whistle. What you have to be ready to withold is a preliminary signal depending on what you've discussed in your pre-game as to who is going to take the call. In our area, on a drive from the Trail we give the L the greater responsibility if he has the better look/location of the play.

Every play should be judged individually, but I don't think the highlighted areas will necessarily lead to consistent success as a crew.

1. You will have several plays coming at you as the L from the C. The C is there to see the play start, develop and finish. I would suggest giving him/her the opportunity to do that. My statement is assuming we are talking about routine plays. When plays involve secondary defenders, plays that the C clearly cannot see (looking through bodies) or non-basketball acts things are different.
2. Every place I've been, the outside officials withhold a preliminary on block/charge plays where there is a double whistle. Having said that, see #1 for plays from the C's side.
3. The T should stay engaged to plays that start from his/her primary going to the hoop. Plays may start and develop in the T's area. The L would only see the finish and may not have the best crack at calling the play correctly.

None of this is absolute one way or the other. However, it is hard to get consistent results without a consistent approach.